It's a shock when a doctor, in response to complaints of aches and pains, offers a throwaway comment such as, "After all, you are getting older." Please! Don't young people have health problems? This month's Sherpa Q on You asks, "What Surprises You Most About Being Retired?"  We've compiled some responses to share with our readers.

Do People Treat You Differently?

There are basically two sets of people you meet when you retire: one which treats you with respect and courtesy, and another which may talk down to you, often loudly.  The response to our Sherpa Q was almost universally surprised by other peoples' attitudes towards retirees. Quentin of Tucoma, Washington, wrote that when people treat him differently, he still looks around to see if it's him they're talking to. "They offer me softer chairs, they speak slowly, the generally act as though I have difficulty understanding them in normal conversation." The change took place almost immediately upon retirement, he says.

On the other hand, there are all kinds of perks we never thought about when we were 40 or 50, such as the discounts on everything from movies to restaurants. To Walter of Oklahoma City, his surprise at becoming a retiree "...has been a pleasant one." Walter, an avid golfer, especially enjoys the almost 50 percent off regular greens fees. "All in all, the benefits completely outweigh the downside of getting older." Walter likes to take his cue from George Burns, who once said, "Retirement at 65 is ridiculous. When I was 65 I still had pimples."

For many retirees, one of the most surprising things about being retired is simply realizing that they are. It just sneaked up on them, they said. Yet they're doing the same things they always did, while discovering new activities and talents they didn't know they had when occupied in work-a-day lives.

The Surprise of Personal Discovery?

Ruth of Carlsbad, California biggest surprise was finding out that I really enjoy being with children, and in my part-time work at an elementary school I have more patience and understanding than I ever did when raising my own kids. "I don't mind the icky tasks of wiping a nose or cleaning up after an occasional up-chuck, and I can hug them even when they misbehave. I loved my own kids, but was often inpatient. I found my children more agreeable when still in cribs and not little rug rats underfoot or facing the inherent problems of adolescence, and it still amazes me that they've managed to grow into wonderful people in spite of my seat-of-the-pants mothering."

Do you feel a day over 60 or 70? Did you have a relative who lived to be 101 or more? What have you learned about yourself after you retired? Hopefully life has been full of surprises, please share your experience in the comments section of this article.

The Surprise of Adventure?

"The kids were all grown and married and the dog died," says Daniel of Dallas, Oregon, "but I still wasn't ready for the rocking chair romp." After working for a time as a greeter at Walmart, he surprised himself by turning a lifelong hobby - card playing - into a profession as a dealer at a casino. His wife approves, as do his kids, who told him, "Way to go, Dad."

For Jan and Elwyn of Woodinville, Washington, the biggest surprise is the freedom to explore new experiences and adventures and take risks. Jane says, "We sold our house and most of our possessions accumulated over a lifetime, and in a large rented truck began a journey into adventure." They traveled to exotic places and have assisted adults in Honduras in polishing their English skills. In Indonesia they worked with a school to set up a volunteer program to tutor young folks.

What was your personal adventure? Do you travel, volunteer or serve your community?

The Surprise of Single Life?

At first glance, not all the experiences of retirement are positive, but it does force us to open new doors. Cleo of Boston, Massachusetts looked forward to her retirement years with her husband.  She was surprised when her 36-year marriage ended in divorce and she had to revise her agenda. She's now working part-time and enjoying interesting hobbies. Cleo admits that she sometimes misses male companionship, and is impatient with the retirement ads in the magazines that always seem to picture happy senior couples. "In reality there are many more retired singles, but everything is geared for couples, leaving a single retiree feeling left out."

Gertrude of Worcester, Massachusetts, understands. She finds single life can be lonely at times, and she wrestles with decision making, putting up the Christmas tree and outside lights, buying a new car, paying the bills, but she's doing it and staying busy outside the home. "Despite the fact that inside I may feel half my age, my body doesn't seem to agree," she adds. "It takes me twice as long to accomplish things, although I'm sure I will still work at the same speed."

How is life as a retired single impacting you?  

The Surprise of Time

Time has slowed down for Al of San Diego, California. "I retired at 65 and each of my five years since has been like an eon!" Still, he never has a dull moment and never given much thought to the question until it was raised in the Sherpa Q on You.  Virtually everyone who responded to our Q on You question related the advantages of being a retired citizen.

Except for a few aches and pains, they feel much that same as they did when they were "young."  Writes Jeanne of Bennington, Vermont, "I don't have mirrors to remind me that I look different, except when I'm brushing my teeth or trying to put on eyeshadow, so how would I know that I'm a retiree? My interests, my love of people are the same. Age is eternal perhaps."

About the Author:

My name is Dana Cutter and I am Founder and Editor of Medicare Sherpa. Our staff spends their days searching the Internet for the best content and advice on retirement.  On our site you will find articles on Social Security, Medicare Benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits and more. Please feel fee to send me an email with ideas for content, site improvements or general help launching your online persona. I hope you will consider joining and I am looking forward to reading more about you online.

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